Texas A & M College of Dentistry
Lucky No . 17
Dr . Lily T . Garcia began tenure as 17th dean on School of Dentistry ’ s 117th birthday
by Caleb Vierkant
When alumna Dr . Lily T . Garcia returned to the campus of Texas A & M School of Dentistry on Oct . 3 , it was not as a student but as its newest dean . She brought with her more than 35 years of experience across many roles in academic dental institutions as well as private practice . Her first day on campus as the 17 th dean coincided with the 117 th anniversary of the school ’ s first day of classes .
“ This is surreal ,” said Garcia . “ It is an absolute honor to come home to the dental school that so aptly prepared me for my career as a dental professional and academician . I am thankful for the opportunity to guide the School of Dentistry along its wellrespected trajectory of continued preeminence .”
“ Dr . Garcia was selected from a pool of exceptionally qualified leaders from dental schools all over the country ,” said Dr . Alan Sams , Texas A & M University interim provost . “ I am excited to have someone of her caliber join the Texas A & M family and take the helm of our dental school .”
Garcia came to Texas A & M ’ s dental school from the University of Nevada , Las Vegas where she served as dean and professor of the School of Dental Medicine . Prior to her position at UNLV , Garcia was the associate dean for education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry . Before joining Iowa ’ s dental school , Garcia held various administrative roles at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry , including chair of the Department of Prosthodontics and director of the Division of Advanced Education and External Affairs . Additionally , Garcia has served as chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry and was a faculty member at the International Dental Academy in Tokyo .
A respected national leader in dental education , Garcia is the past chair of the board of the American Dental Education Association and has served as the vice president for the ADEA of Council Sections , chairing the national taskforce that produced the ADEA Guidelines on Academia-Industry Interactions . Garcia also served as president of American College of Prosthodontists and chair of the board for the organization ’ s education foundation .
Garcia completed her undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry , which is now Texas A & M School of Dentistry . She also has a certificate and master ’ s degree in prosthodontics from the UT Health San Antonio .
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